1. Mr. Abhishek Pathak, Founder & CEO, Greenwear:

“The budget for the year 2022-23 has provided a promising start for a greener and cleaner future of our economy. Sovereign Green bonds for mobilising resources for green infrastructure will definitely add value in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy. It would have been an icing on the cake if the budget allocation in the clean energy sector would somehow be directly linked with livelihood generation at the local level. Announcement of Vibrant Village Programme and inclusion of decentralised renewable energy resources for villages located on the northern border is also a welcoming step.  There is not much for the traditional textile industry. However, the budget incentivises textile exports by exempting various embellishments which might help bonafide exporters indirectly working with traditional crafts.”

2. Ms. Shalu Jha, Co-founder & Director, PRandit Solution:

“Despite tech-enabled development being announced as one of the key focus areas of this year’s Budget, it was disappointing to note that no major announcements were made with regards to technology proliferation and promotion in the media or media-tech segments of the country. The Budget was also mostly silent on the communications-oriented service sectors – which also shocked us. However, The FM’s announcement on the extension of existing tax benefits for startups by one more year is a welcome move and comes as a big relief for startups that are still bearing the brunt of the ongoing pandemic. I am also happy to note that the incentivization and encouragement for the digital economy continues with this year’s Budget announcements.”